Poem Analysis - In Snow Thou Comest

A Fleeting Presence: Introduction to Dickinson's "In Snow Thou Comest"

Emily Dickinson's "In Snow Thou Comest" is a short yet profound meditation on transition and renewal. The poem, imbued with a sense of delicate impermanence, charts the arrival and departure of a figure, perhaps metaphorical, whose presence is deeply felt. The tone shifts subtly from apprehension to hopeful anticipation, mirroring the cyclical nature of life and the changing seasons. Ultimately, the poem suggests a belief in the restorative power of change and the enduring potential for joy, even after periods of hardship.

The Ephemeral Quality of Experience: Themes of Change and Renewal

One of the primary themes in "In Snow Thou Comest" is the inevitability of change. The opening lines, "In snow thou comest – / Thou shalt go with the resuming ground," immediately establish a sense of transience. The figure's arrival is linked to winter's snow, a symbol of coldness and dormancy, which is destined to melt and give way to spring. This fleeting presence highlights the ephemeral quality of experience, suggesting that nothing remains static. This leads directly into a second theme which is that of renewal. The poem connects the departure of the unknown "thou" to the arrival of spring sounds: "The sweet derision of the crow, / And Glee’s advancing sound." The crow's "derision," paradoxically described as "sweet," and the sound of "Glee" symbolizes the joyful resurgence of life after a period of quietude and potential difficulty.

Symbolism and Imagery: A Journey from Fear to Joy

The poem employs striking symbolism and imagery to convey its message. The "snow" itself serves as a potent symbol, representing not only winter but also a state of fear or apprehension. The lines "In fear thou comest –" solidify this interpretation, suggesting that the figure's arrival is associated with a sense of unease. However, the second stanza shifts the focus to a future filled with joy. The phrase "such a gait of joy" creates a vivid image of rapid, uninhibited movement, symbolizing the exhilaration that accompanies renewal. This "gait of joy" is directly associated with the departure of the "thou," suggesting that their leaving makes room for a more positive and vibrant experience. The ground "resuming" implies activity and life returning.

Rebirth and Potential: The Depth of Being

A crucial idea is the possibility of rebirth and the depth of human potential. The second stanza, "That man anew embark to live / Upon the depth of thee," alludes to a profound connection between the departing figure and the ability to experience life more fully. The phrase "anew embark" suggests a fresh start, a chance to begin again with renewed vigor. The "depth of thee" is a particularly evocative image. It implies that the departing figure, despite their association with fear, has somehow enriched the human experience, allowing for a deeper appreciation of life's possibilities. Perhaps the "thou" represented a challenge overcome, or a period of reflection that led to personal growth and a refreshed understanding of the meaning of life. This opens the question of whether difficult experiences aren't ultimately necessary for us to appreciate joy and move forward.

A Circular Journey: Conclusion on Impermanence and Hope

In conclusion, "In Snow Thou Comest" is a short but powerful meditation on the cyclical nature of life, the inevitability of change, and the enduring potential for joy. Through vivid imagery and subtle shifts in tone, Dickinson suggests that even experiences associated with fear and apprehension can ultimately lead to renewal and a deeper appreciation of life. The poem's message of impermanence is ultimately hopeful, reminding us that even in the darkest of winters, the promise of spring and the possibility of rebirth remain ever present.